The Kroger Co., America's Second Largest Retailer, Will Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Bags

The Kroger Co. issued a press release this month announcing its plan to eliminate single-use plastic bags by 2025 as part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste pledge. The company said it will transition to reusable bags.

Kroger isn’t the only company choosing to go more eco-friendly. We’ve covered large companies like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, and even major cities like Mumbai, that are making this eco-friendly transformation. Going green is becoming more prominent, and we don't see the trend slowing down anytime soon.

According to the press release, Kroger's Quality Food Centers (QFC) stores, based in Seattle, will be its first retail division to phase out the bags. The first step in the process should be completed by 2019.

Kroger said it made the decision not just with the planet in mind, but also its customers (and, by extension, its bottom line).

"We listen very closely to our customers and our communities, and we agree with their growing concerns," Mike Donnelly, Kroger executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in the press release. "That's why, starting today at QFC, we will begin the transition to more sustainable options. This decision aligns with our Restock Kroger commitment to live our purpose through social impact."

For promotional product distributors, this means we'll continue to see selling opportunities for reusable totes, bags and other products. While Kroger is going through this change over the next few years, end-users will eventually have to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) or use the reusable options Kroger offers.